A City of Food Awareness
I've never been to France, but I have been to, and lived in Japan. And while I lived there, I marvelled at the importance to Japanese of food freshness, diversity and quality. Food is important to everyone, anywhere in the world. Its preparation and presentation both an art form and a necessity to human survival. For those who haven't enough food to sustain health and life, basic food in its most elemental form will more than suffice to satisfy needs. For those who live in developed countries of the world with a tradition of culinary and agricultural excellence, a devotion to well-prepared food is an integral part of the culture.
In some countries more than others. France has always enjoyed a reputation as a culinary country, part of their heritage. England, on the other hand, has always been known as a country whose dedication to the culinary arts has been dismal. Most other developed countries fall somewhere in between those extremes. And now, look here, Tokyo has eclipsed Paris in the number of its three-star restaurants, according to the Michelin food guide. Tokyo is the city with the most Michelin-awarded stars in the world.
Little wonder, actually. It was while living in Japan that I experienced the absolutely freshest produce I'd ever had anywhere. Not only fresh but fragrant and delicious. Japanese food vendors are meticulous in their food handling, ultra-aware that they not set out for sale foods that will not meet the high standards of the Japanese consumers. The array of foods available in Tokyo markets are second to none, and their quality is far superior to that available elsewhere. Not just in particular places, but everywhere that food is sold.
Walking anywhere in Japan one becomes aware of food. Food production, production practises, pride in that production, and the choice and selection par excellence. The aromatic fragrances wafting from fine food establishments to modest cafes, to street vendors is head-spinning and appetite-appealing. No where else is food celebrated and appreciated as it is in that country.
In some countries more than others. France has always enjoyed a reputation as a culinary country, part of their heritage. England, on the other hand, has always been known as a country whose dedication to the culinary arts has been dismal. Most other developed countries fall somewhere in between those extremes. And now, look here, Tokyo has eclipsed Paris in the number of its three-star restaurants, according to the Michelin food guide. Tokyo is the city with the most Michelin-awarded stars in the world.
Little wonder, actually. It was while living in Japan that I experienced the absolutely freshest produce I'd ever had anywhere. Not only fresh but fragrant and delicious. Japanese food vendors are meticulous in their food handling, ultra-aware that they not set out for sale foods that will not meet the high standards of the Japanese consumers. The array of foods available in Tokyo markets are second to none, and their quality is far superior to that available elsewhere. Not just in particular places, but everywhere that food is sold.
Walking anywhere in Japan one becomes aware of food. Food production, production practises, pride in that production, and the choice and selection par excellence. The aromatic fragrances wafting from fine food establishments to modest cafes, to street vendors is head-spinning and appetite-appealing. No where else is food celebrated and appreciated as it is in that country.
posted by Pieface @ 6:12 PM
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